MSU has high hopes for the return of adult students

MURRAY, Ky. -- Murray State University is inviting adult students with 80 or more college credit hours to enroll in classes to complete their bachelor's degree in any of the spring, summer or fall 2016 semesters.

As a special incentive for those who apply during Project Graduate Week, Sept. 28-Oct. 2, Murray State will waive the application fee for eligible individuals. To be eligible for the fee waiver, applicants must have earned 80-plus credit hours, and have not been enrolled during the past two years at Murray State or any other higher education institution or previously completed a bachelor's degree. While there is no application deadline, candidates are encouraged to apply early in order to receive timely support services such as academic advising and financial aid counseling.

Classes can be taken through the program on any of Murray State's main or alternative campuses as well as online.

Project Graduate, created by the Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE), is a statewide program geared toward serving the needs of nontraditional students who wish to return to college for completion of an undergraduate degree, thereby elevating the skills and employability of Kentucky's existing and potential work force.

David Vowell is a Murray State graduate who took the initiative to return to school to earn his degree. "This was an opportunity to use my G.I. Bill to finish my degree so I could support my family and serve as an example to my children," Vowell said. "Coming back to school at Murray State was an easy transition for me despite my having been in the military for 10 years. The staff was very helpful."

Vowell, who received a B.S. in criminal justice and psychology in December 2014 from MSU, said he felt relieved when he reached his goal of earning his degree. "It was a milestone achievement, right there with other milestones in my life like getting married and having the first child. I also feel more confident now, both personally and professionally," he said.

"This is a great opportunity for those who weren't able to complete a degree for various reasons and now just need that extra push or incentive to come back and meet their education goals. It can happen and there are many resources available to assist them in achieving those goals," Alison Marshal, program coordinator and associate director of the Transfer Center, said.

Project Graduate applicants must contact Marshall at 270.809.5796 to apply and for guidance through the process.